Dress For Success

Apart from your expressions and manner, among the first things people notice about you is the way you dress.  Many highly creative people affect a casual indifference toward their personal appearance but in reality, they are making a purposeful statement.  In effect, they are saying: "I'm so good at what I do that I don't have to dress for success."

If you want to make it in any financial capital of the world, pay careful attention to the clothes you wear and the visual impact you have on others.  When dressing for the business world, follow the standard advice:  Dress for inclusion.  Look at what the people one or two steps up the corporate ladder from you are wearing and be guided by their tastes.  That is about the closest thing to universal advice that can be given in the realm of dressing.  Fads and fashions come and go and what is in today may be passe tomorrow. 

Women have greater latitude for individuality in fashion, but the general rule still applies.  In most businessess, it is best to avoid extremes.  Seductive or coquettish outfits may draw admiring stares, but they will not enhance your reputation as a businesswoman.

Solid colours in women's clothing convey a message of seriousness and character.  Plaids and prints are more whimsical.  In the business office, successful women may be seen wearing suits, dressess, coordinates and skirts with blazers.  Different colours flatter different women.  Find your best colours and stick with them.

If your job calls for briefcase, invest in a top quality one.  It will add to your successful image.  If you need to have a  pen in your breast pocket, make it an attractive one.  Avoid cheap plastic pens and never wear pocket liners for pens.

Both men and women should avoid extreme hairstyles.  Again, use the look cultivated by the most successful people in your field as a guide and adapt it to your own physical features.

If you look successful, you will feel more confident in your job and about reaching your goals.